In an open letter, sent to the Lusa agency, the non-governmental organization says the situation of second line antiretrovirals in the country "is complicated" because, it explains, "many people with HIV/AIDS have been without medication for some time and justified by the authorities".
"The country is currently experiencing a situation of 'stock-outs' of second line drugs, which may force patients to move to a third line situation that the country unfortunately does not have, because the drugs are very expensive and exceed the financial availability of the government", the document reads.
Anaso also expresses concern about first-line antiretrovirals whose availability is "limited", considering that there is "an urgent need to strengthen logistical supplies in the near future so that we do not get into a situation of disruption again".
According to NGO statistics, Angola has around 350,000 people with HIV/AIDS, of whom 93,000 are undergoing antiretroviral therapy and of these around 30 per cent are undergoing second-line treatment.
In relation to the rupture of 'stock', Anaso says that the country "suffers from a greater political commitment that may compromise national efforts towards a more credible response".
"We have to make a very big effort, as a country, with the contribution of international partners, to avoid future situations of disruption of antiretroviral stocks with serious consequences for many Angolans for whom these medicines are essential," he said.
For Anaso, an "open dialogue" with the provincial health directorates is necessary to "share the difficulties with the distribution of antiretrovirals" at the time of covid-19, believing that people living with HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis and malaria can be assisted in health units or at home.
Anaso argues that the open letter, signed by its president António Coelho, is civil society's view on the situation of antiretrovirals in Angola.
